Infohackit is a one day event which brings together scientists and designers, with the aim to share skills, collaborate and communicate often complex scientific research, into a concise visual presentation. NUA graphics students have taken part for the last two years and although it is challenging, the experience is rewarding. The scientists are mostly from the UEA and Norwich Research Park and their work varies from environmental to biomedical.
At the start of the day, teams are formed and once individuals are introduced, they have to build their own brief. And here the designers take the lead, by questioning and identifying what exactly the scientists wish to communicate. Maintaining dialogue is essential.
The teams have just 12 hours to build their presentation, which can take the form of an infographic, an installation or digital interaction. And the communication is dictated by its purpose and its content considerate of its audience. Will it be directed at specialists or inform the general public? Once the deadline is reached, each team has to present its outcome. The whole process encompasses problem based learning and experiential learning. But can the designer speak science? Can the scientist speak design?
So how did they get on? I asked a few NUA students.
Each student was asked to reflect on the overall experience and the answers were reassuring.
They each learnt about fields of study and expertise which was entirely new to them. And the same could be said for the scientists, one NUA student quoted their colleague, “I never realised how useful design can be. Designers and scientists should collaborate in the future to help communicate their discoveries to the public”. And he is right. The job of the designer is to listen, question, emphasise, gather data and help communicate complex messages to help clients fulfil their strategic objectives.
I intend expanding upon the student feedback in my next reflective essay.
Congratulations to NUA Graphic Communication student Dan Burnage and his team for picking up first prize for their animation which explained the dangers of over fishing.
Studio Meets the Lonely Robots
Top photo: Fortune magazine, 1968.
Event photos: Lucy Marks.